GET HELP

You don’t need to have the right words.

Whether you’re worried about a child, preparing for a visit, or looking for support, you can start here. Choose what best describes your situation, and we’ll help you find the right next step.

Is a child in immediate danger? Call 911

If you suspect abuse or neglect by a parent, guardian, or direct caregiver:

Call the New Jersey Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873) Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If your call is not accepted by the hotline, call the local law enforcement where the incident occurred.

Start Where You Are

What brings you here today?

Choose the option that feels closest to your situation.

I’m worried about a child

You do not need proof to report a concern. Learn who to call, what information may be requested, and what happens next.

My family has an appointment

Learn what happens before, during, and after a visit so you and your child can feel more informed and prepared.

I want to understand the services

Explore the coordinated interviews, specialized medical care, trauma-focused counseling, advocacy, and ongoing support available at no cost to families.

I’m a teen or caring for one

Find age-appropriate information, caregiver guidance, healing resources, and trusted sources of support in English and Spanish.

How Deirdre’s House Helps

A safe place where the right people come together

Deirdre’s House is Morris County’s Child Advocacy Center. We bring trained professionals together in one child-focused setting so children and non-offending caregivers do not have to navigate the process alone.

We are not law enforcement.

Deirdre’s House provides a safe setting for coordinated interviews, care, advocacy, and family support. Reports of suspected abuse or neglect must be made to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline.

A Clearer Path Forward

What happens after you reach out?

The next step depends on whether you are reporting a concern or preparing for a scheduled visit.

Report the concern

If you suspect abuse or neglect, call the NJ Child Abuse Hotline. You do not need proof or certainty to make a report.

The appropriate agencies respond

Trained professionals review the information and determine the appropriate next steps. Deirdre’s House does not decide whether a report is investigated.

Children and families receive coordinated support

When a family is referred to Deirdre’s House, children and their caregivers receive coordinated services in a safe, supportive setting designed to help each child heal.

Common Questions

Questions you may have before taking the next step

Are you the police?

No. Deirdre’s House is Morris County’s Child Advocacy Center, not a law enforcement agency. We provide a safe, child-focused place where trained professionals work together to support children and non-offending caregivers.

Will services cost anything?

All services provided at Deirdre’s House to children and families are free of charge.

What if the NJ Child Abuse Hotline says it cannot handle my concern?

If the NJ Child Abuse Hotline determines that your concern is not a case it handles, you can contact Deirdre’s House at (973) 631-5000. Our team can listen, answer questions, and help you understand what other support may be available.

What if I have concerns about reporting?

If you are worried about making a report or have questions about the process, call Deirdre’s House at (973) 631-5000 and our team will help you understand the appropriate next step. Reports must be made to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE (1-877-652-2873). Calls to the NJ Child Abuse Hotline may be made anonymously.

Will my child have to repeat the story over and over?

The forensic interview process is designed to reduce the number of times a child is asked to describe what happened. The interview is conducted in a child-focused, developmentally appropriate way and digitally recorded so authorized professionals involved in the case can review it.

What if I'm wrong?

You do not need proof or certainty to report a concern. In New Jersey, anyone with reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been abused or neglected should contact the NJ Child Abuse Hotline. Trained hotline staff will ask questions and determine the appropriate next step.

We’re Here

You do not have to figure this out alone.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the NJ Child Abuse Hotline or the local law enforcement agency where the incident occurred. If you have questions about Deirdre’s House, an upcoming appointment, or available services, our team is here to help.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

NJ Child Abuse Hotline

1-877-NJ-ABUSE

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Deirdre’s House

(973) 631-5000

Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.